Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits disability discrimination in programs and activities that receive Federal funds. The law requires all public and charter Schools to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to qualified individuals. The Office of Civil Rights (OCR) oversees the compliance for Section 504. The law ensures that students with a disability have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to non-disabled students. Section 504 regulations require school districts to provide appropriate education to students with disabilities under Section 504.
Eligibility for Section 504 begins at the school level. Each school has a individual designated to coordinate Section 504 services. For more information or questions regarding the referral and eligibility process, please contact the 504 Chairperson at your local school.
Rights of Students and Parents [PDF]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a 504?
- What is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity?
- Once a student is identified as eligible for services under Section 504, is that student always entitled to such services?
- Must a school district develop a Section 504 plan for a student who either has a record of disability or is regarded as disabled?
- What is the receiving school district's responsibility under Section 504 toward a student with a Section 504 plan who transfers from another district?
- Can a medical diagnosis suffice as an evaluation for the purpose of providing FAPE?
- Are there any impairments which automatically mean that a student has a disability under Section 504?
- Does a medical diagnosis of an illness automatically mean a student can receive services under Section 504?
- May school districts consider mitigating measures used by a student in determining whether the student has a disability under Section 504?
- Does the nature of services to which a student is entitled under Section 504 differ by educational level?
What is a 504?
What is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity?
Once a student is identified as eligible for services under Section 504, is that student always entitled to such services?
Must a school district develop a Section 504 plan for a student who either has a record of disability or is regarded as disabled?
What is the receiving school district's responsibility under Section 504 toward a student with a Section 504 plan who transfers from another district?
Can a medical diagnosis suffice as an evaluation for the purpose of providing FAPE?
Are there any impairments which automatically mean that a student has a disability under Section 504?
Does a medical diagnosis of an illness automatically mean a student can receive services under Section 504?
May school districts consider mitigating measures used by a student in determining whether the student has a disability under Section 504?
Does the nature of services to which a student is entitled under Section 504 differ by educational level?
Jennifer Coker
District 504 Coordinator
Phone: 470-254-0433
Federal Programs Assistant
Title I /Federal Programs Professional Assistant III
Phone: 470-254-0436